There aren’t many things in this life that I’m passionate about.
That may sound sad, but really it allows me to be more focused on the few things I really enjoy. Take cooking, for example. I knew at an early age that I loved cooking for people. When I was younger, I would pretend that I owned and operated a restaurant called ‘Lori’s Cottage House’. My parents would humor me and eat an oregano-saturated pasta dish I had prepared and then politely tip me for my services. It’s a memory I hold very dear to this day.
These days, I’m striving to please a new household.
My husband is definitely a ‘meat and potatoes’ kind of guy, but he’s a good sport when I want to try out new dishes that lack the protein he desperately craves. My daughters’ tastes are still developing….my youngest could eat mashed banana and apple till she burst, while my oldest has an affinity for anything in popsicle form…broccoli pops, anyone?…
Today’s recipe is one that I’ve been making my husband for years! I have a kind of love/hate relationship with cashews. I often feel as though they give me allergy symptoms, but I do like them! On the rare occasion I can stomach one, this recipe is one of the best ways to eat them!…
…these are lightly sweetened with a nice hit of heat!…
Once we start eating these, it’s hard to stop (even if my belly is hurting)! The crunchy texture, the delicious taste…these are for my husband now, what Pringle’s were for me as a kid.
Crunchy, salty, with a hint of sweetness, this cashew-based snack hits all the marks!
- 1 1/2 c. raw cashews
- 2 T. maple syrup
- 1/2 t. chili powder
- 1/8 t. allspice
- 1/4 t. cumin
- 1/8-1/4 t. cayenne depending on how spicy you want them!
- 1/2 t. sea salt
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
- In a bowl, mix the maple syrup with the spices and the salt.
- Mix in the cashews (be sure to coat them as best as you can).
- Pour the mixture onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet.
- Bake them for 15-20 minutes (I let mine go to 20 because I like them a bit more golden).
- Cool for 5 minutes, and enjoy!
Weight Watchers points (new system): 6
…served atop our late night protein ‘ice cream’, these make a healthy indulgence!…and they’re high in magnesium, which aids sleep. 🙂
What are you most passionate about in your life (aside from family)?
Photography is becoming another passion for me…but it’s still in relation to food. 🙂
Samantha Diaram says
Just made these right now! People on my floor have stopped by my apartment because it smells so good ! waiting to try 🙂
Lauren says
Lol, that’s awesome Samantha! My hubby would be so jealous, these are his favorite! 🙂
Jayne says
These were amazing, so so addictive!
Lauren says
Thanks Jayne! They’re my hubby’s favorite. 🙂
Jorie says
These were just wonderful! Sweet enough without being TOO sweet. I made them to go with a vegan dinner salad that called for cashews and they really made the meal. Spiced and glazed nut recipes seem so hit or miss, so thanks for the winner.
Lauren says
Awesome Jorie! I’m happy you enjoyed them! 🙂
Morgan says
These would be a great party snack! Love the addition of maple syrup, never can go wrong with that! Can’t wait to try them. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Lauren says
Thanks Morgan! Loved your smoothie, by the way. 🙂
Ariane@Skyeslife says
I love cashews and I love your photos, which make me want to eat these cashews now!
luv what you do says
My friend made seasoned cashews recently and I loved them! I can’t wait to make my own!
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
LOVE!
I think cashews are my new fav nut!
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance says
Even though I’m a full-time high school math teacher, I am passionate about health and wellness. I love soaking up as much information about dietary theories, food, working out, cooking, etc.
I love the sweet and spicy combination. My husband loves cashews, but of all the nuts out there, they are my least favorite. But put this spice on almonds . . . yum!
Anna @ Your Healthy Place says
Ah so glad to be back in the blogging world and catch up with you! (I’m still Anna even though I’m at Your Healthy Place now, not The Guiltless Life!)
Your photography is amazing, girl, you have been working! And I love the sound of sweet and spicy cashews – heavenly.
Lauren says
Hi girl!! So happy to see you back! I’m not on Twitter as much or doing WIAW, but it’s cool you’re linking up with Gabby, so I’ll see you that way. 🙂 Congratulations on the cookbook!!
freshlifefindings says
Yumm I love Cashews and these flavored ones sounds amazing! I love the “Lori’s Cottage House” from your childhood! So cute 🙂 I used to watch Donna’s Day and cook her recipes when I was young and they never turned out well lol. Atleast I improved since then 😉